Jagdreise -

(Ovis ammon polii)

The Marco Polo sheep (also known as the Pamir argali) is a subspecies of the argali. It can reach live weights of up to 140 kg with a shoulder height of up to 1.30 m. The main areas of distribution are located in the Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan) and the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains (China and Kyrgyzstan). Marco Polo sheep live at altitudes of about 3,800 m to 5,200 m in very barren mountain regions (rarely below 3,000 m). Along with the blue sheep, there is no other game species hunted at higher altitudes. Marco Polo rams carry massive, spiral-shaped horns that can, in exceptional cases, exceed lengths of 60 inches (152 cm). In Kyrgyzstan, average trophies in recent years have ranged from 47 to 49 inches. Both sexes live separately in herds for most of the year. During the rut (November/December), the rams join the ewes, and fierce battles can occur. Marco Polo sheep have excellent hearing, eyesight, and sense of smell, making stalking them a true challenge.